are all show labs square

[Jamandcheesesandwich]

hi all

Merry Christmas

I like the look of the slimmer labs however these appear to be working labs and I am not sure they would be too active/hyper for me

the show dogs however are square, I know this is breed standard, however is there such a thing as a slim show lab or are they going to be just bsb

cheers

Of course it doesn't specifically say they should be fat.

But you generally can't get the "desired" look without having an overweight dog.

Our show Lab is 18 months and 26kg. He very much resembles the Lab in Honeyroar’s photo.
Our vet told us that that is how a Lab should look.
2 months ago he had double elbow dysplasia surgery so we’ve been very mindful of what he eats as he has had restricted walks and only on-lead till very recently.

I have a slim show lab

Working labs tend to be lighter, longer in the leg and longer slimmer muzzles.

It isn't all about weight, both can be slim, but show labs are breed to be heavier built, wider, shorter legs, with squarer more solid heads and muzzles.

Of course you can get labs that have come from a show line but have not inherited all the show strain desired characteristics.

^This is my experience, we researched, fully health tested, kc reg, parents Crufts and therapy dog.
Been a lifetime of hyperactivity, so much love, the most wonderful temperament imaginable, but also operations, more time and ultimately heartache.

I’ve loved him with every fibre of my body, money bought me time, but it hasn’t been long enough.

DM’s neighbour do is working lab from a farm, has seen vet about three times in his life, fed once a day if lucky, has a drink from the fishpond outside and is 15. No issues.

I have a working type. He is busy when I want him to be but very calm at home. He is around 34kg, last weighed at the vet for his worm/flea stuff but has a lean body condition as he is a large lab in stature. I don’t weigh him at home but do it by eye, the vet is happy with this method. If I notice he’s starting to look a little more covered (should be like a thin blanket over the ribs - sheet = too thin, duvet = too fat), I just feed a little less dry food for a couple of days and his condition is easily tweaked on a day to day basis.

@Honeyroar your beautiful doggo looks just like our slim working lab! Would never have guessed he was a show lab.

I’m not 100% sure he is, he’s a rescue. But his head is squarer and his chest/shoulder is a wider stamp than the more sporty lab we had last. This other photo perhaps shows it more?